Winter Haven Police Officer Dragged By Car

WINTER HAVEN, FL -- A Winter Haven police officer escaped injury late Wednesday, March 28, when he was dragged by a car during a traffic stop.

According to Winter Haven Police, around 10 p.m., the officer saw a white Mercedes Benz driven by 37-year-old William McCarter of Pembroke Pines run a red light at the intersection of 1st Street SW and Avenue G SW in Winter Haven.

The officer pulled the car at the Circle K at 1000 1st Street S. When he approached the car, he said he could smell alcohol on McCarter’s breath.

The officer asked him to turn off and exit the car but, instead of obeying, McCarter reportedly tried to drive off, dragging the officer who was hanging onto the car about 20 feet.

The officer managed to reach around McCarter and turn off the engine.

McCarter was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude, DUI and resisting without violence.

He was booked into the Polk County jail.

Image via Winter Haven Police